Assistant Adjunct Professor for Teaching and Learning at the University of Montana, focused on innovative teacher preparation for the world we live in and the world we want to create. She is deeply committed to empowering educators to become agents of change who can positively impact their students and communities. A social studies teacher at heart and by trade, Erin brings experience from both K-12 and higher education. A professionally licensed educator and administrator in Montana, her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning. She collaborates with professionals around the world to create innovative pathways for teaching and learning while advocating for inclusive and collaborative spaces and practices to ensure the success of all learners.

Ben Orlin, better known as "the Math with Bad Drawings guy," is the author of four books, the father of two daughters, the teacher of many wonderful students, and an avid devourer of mangos. He is honored to be visiting from St. Paul, MN.

Shelley is a lifelong Montanan, born and raised in Great Falls. She is a retired school librarian and currently advocates for libraries at the state, regional, and national levels as a member of the Montana Library Association and the Mountain Plains Library Association. Shelley is a trained and certified foresight practitioner and transformational coach, as well as a certified Law for Librarians trainer.

Kevin Oshnock has a bachelor's degree in history from Westminster College (2008), a master's degree in history from Appalachian State University (2010), and a master's degree in political science from Appalachian State University (2019). He has taught history in Montana for five years.

Abi Paytoe Gbayee learned quickly that leadership is really just making decisions on the fly, hoping you are running and screaming in the right direction.

Abi is passionate about helping teachers grow as leaders, whether through organizing conferences, mentoring new professionals, or designing creative, standards-based learning experiences. She believes leadership is a shared journey and is excited to inspire others to see themselves as leaders wherever they find themselves as educators.

Abi speaks about the “muddy middle,” the space where things are not fully resolved, where educators are making decisions in real time, and where most of the actual work of teaching and leadership happens. Her approach is grounded in relationship, consistency, and a belief that leadership is something built through practice, not position.

Before moving into higher education, Abi spent 18 years in K–12 classrooms, and she still approaches her work from that perspective. Her teaching and scholarship focus on artistic agency, curriculum design, and the role of the educator in creating environments where students can take ownership of their learning without losing structure or support.

She is currently an Assistant Professor of Art Education at the University of Northern Colorado and the immediate Past Pacific Region Vice President of the National Art Education Association.

Sheila Mei Pocdol is a Montana educator passionate about helping students become confident writers and thinkers. She uses innovative strategies, including AI tools and quick feedback systems, to make learning more engaging and effective.

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes in Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, Cybersecurity, and STEM. She has over 8 years of experience teaching and presenting on AI in her classroom, as well as working with educators worldwide. Rachelle is currently serving as the Grant Coach for an initiative through ISTE+ASCD and Pinterest. Rachelle works with 12 districts in the United States and assists with policy revision, professional development, and the design of resources for each Task Force.
Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award and several Presidential Awards for volunteer service to education.

She is also a blogger for Defined Learning, Edutopia, and Getting Smart. She is the host of the ThriveinEDU podcast, ISTE's Learning Unleashed podcast, and The Lift by Amazon on BAM Radio Network.

I am a fourth-year educator who graduated from Montana State University in the spring of 2022 with a minor in creative writing, and I currently teach junior high and high school English in a rural Montana school. My teaching experience includes courses in journalism, creative writing, film and literature, grammar, reading, writing, and literary analysis. I am passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that help students think critically, communicate clearly, and connect literature, media, and writing to their own lives and the world around them. Much of my professional development has focused on standards-based and project-based grading, helping me design instruction and assessment that better reflect student growth, mastery, and meaningful application of skills. In addition to teaching, I coach athletics, support school communications, contribute to grant writing and community outreach, and help build programs that expand student opportunities in a small-school setting.

Tracy Rassley is the Programs Manager for the Montana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). After a 24-year paralegal career and nearly seven years as an AFSP volunteer, she has served in her current role for almost four years. Tracy has delivered a wide range of AFSP programs, including Talk Saves Lives, Caring Communities, Finding Hope, It’s Real for teens and middle schoolers, and It’s Real for college students.

Tracy is also a strong advocate for first responders and veterans. As a veteran herself, and the spouse of a man who is a retired veteran, retired law enforcement officer, and retired volunteer firefighter, she understands the unique challenges these communities and their families face. Her work is further driven by a passion for educating teens and college students, rooted in her belief that lasting progress in mental health awareness begins with empowering young people.

A loss survivor, Tracy lost her 19 year old son, Patrick, in 2015. She is a certified support group facilitator and has led the Parents of Suicide Support Group since 2017, dedicating herself to supporting others through grief and healing.

I have been teaching Earth Science for 13 years in public school and conducted Fulbright teaching research in Vietnam in 2023 on climate change education. BS in GeoSciences and Earth Science Ed, MS in Earth Science and MAT in Earth Science education.

Ms. Richards earned an M.Ed. from Lesley University in instruction and curriculum. She has taught every grade from pre-K to college and has taught in various facilities, including a two-room schoolhouse and an elementary school with over 1,300 students. Additionally, she has taught students with special needs and gifted students. She currently teaches at Pine Hills Correctional Facility in Montana. She has earned many teaching awards, including the Golden Apple and Crystal Apple

Dr. Deborah Rinio is an Associate Teaching Professor and Program Leader for the fully online Library Media Certificate Program at Montana State University. She has over 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education.